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Encyclopedia / African Cichlids / Compressiceps
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Variations

2 kinds · tap one for a closer look

Compressiceps

Altolamprologus compressiceps · Altolamprologus compressiceps, Compressed cichlid, Yellow compressiceps

Peaceful toward large fish, but eats small fish and fry; keep with other Tanganyikans.

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· real AED shop prices, never conversions
12.3 cmAdult size ✓
24–27 °CTemperature ✓
8–9pH ✓
243 LSmallest tank ✓
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Tank mates
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Not recommended
  • Compressiceps eats animals up to about 5 cm. Neon tetra only grows to 2.5 cm.
  • Rift lake cichlids like compressiceps need hard, alkaline water and a busy, cichlid-only tank.
Not recommended
  • Compressiceps eats animals up to about 5 cm. Cardinal tetra only grows to 3 cm.
  • Rift lake cichlids like compressiceps need hard, alkaline water and a busy, cichlid-only tank.
Not recommended
  • Compressiceps eats animals up to about 5 cm. Black neon tetra only grows to 3.2 cm.
  • Rift lake cichlids like compressiceps need hard, alkaline water and a busy, cichlid-only tank.
With conditions
  • Rift lake cichlids like compressiceps need hard, alkaline water and a busy, cichlid-only tank.
  • Their pH needs don't quite meet (8–9 vs 6–7.5). Aim between the two and keep it steady.
With conditions
  • Rift lake cichlids like compressiceps need hard, alkaline water and a busy, cichlid-only tank.
  • Only a narrow pH range suits both: exactly 8.
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible
Compatible

65 species in our list are a good match.

Facts checked against sources on 16 Oct 2026. ✓ means a source backs it; ? means no reliable source yet. See sources

Care and water

Hardness ✓7–25 dGH
Group size ✓2 or more
Temperament ?Semi-aggressive
Swims at ?All levels
Care level ✓Moderate
Diet Carnivore
Lifespan ?Unknown
Size in shops 4–7 cm
Growth Medium

Behavior

Peaceful toward large fish, but eats small fish and fry; keep with other Tanganyikans.

  • cave

Food

Frozen mysis, krill and small pellets.

Tap a food to see what it is.

Male or female

Males grow considerably larger than females and develop slightly extended fins as they mature.

Health

Common problems. Tap one to see the signs. This is a guide, not a diagnosis.

Breeding

Cave spawner (pair bond) · Moderate

Cave spawner; the pair guards eggs and fry.

Pairing

Buy a group of 6 and let a pair form, or buy a proven pair; keep a pair per tank to avoid fights.

Setup

100-150 L tank with rock piles creating narrow caves and slits, hard alkaline water (pH 8-9) and strong filtration.

What starts it

Stable pair bond, good conditioning and a cave that fits the female.

Eggs

Eggs hatch after about 3-5 days; no egg count given.

Raising the fry

Fry hide in the cave and become free swimming after a week. Feed microworms and newly hatched brine shrimp; parents tolerate and often protect them.

Common mistakes
  • Mixing several pairs in a small tank
  • Giving caves that are too big
  • Using soft water
Full breeding guide, day-by-day plan and simulator →

Where it lives in the wild

RegionLake Tanganyika
Rivers and lakesLake Tanganyika (around most of the lake)
HabitatRocky crevices
Native rangeAbout 300 km across
See it on the world map

The story of the compressiceps

A compressed, deep-bodied Lake Tanganyika predator that hides in crevices and stalks small fish.

Boulenger described this species in 1898. It was moved to the new genus Altolamprologus in 1986, together with A. calvus. It is a patient hunter of small fish hiding in rocks.

First described by George A. Boulenger in 1898.

  • Its tall, flattened body is built for sneaking into crevices.
  • Compressiceps means 'compressed head'.
  • It is slow-growing and can live many years.

Sources

13 facts checked with sources